June vacation to fulfill a dream

It has been a dream of mine since I was small to visit the Willy Handcart rescue sites. We went to Rock Creek Hollow once before but never was able to get to the actual rescue site at the 6th crossing of the Sweetwater river. This is the place where my great great grandfather, John Linford died and was buried before they were actually rescued at this place. Since we were there some 10 years or more ago the Church has built a nice visitor's center not only at Rock Creek Hollow, but also at the 6th crossing site on the Sweetwater river. Last week we took a vacation to see the Willy and Martin Handcart sites the church has built. We first went to Rock Creek Hollow, (the only place we had visited before,) then to the 6th Crossing Visitor's center. It is a very nice and informative place with several campsites for people who want to go on treks pulling handcarts. They gave us directions to John Linford's Memorial that was put in place in 1998. What a desolate place to die in. We don't know exactly where he was buried, but the memorial gives an idea of the terrible conditions the saints were in.

Next we drove to Martin's Cove. We were impressed with this site as well, though it did not hold the same emotional appeal for me as at the 6th crossing site.

We had never been to Mt. Rushmore, so after leaving the handcart sites, we drove to So. Dakota and first went to the Wind Cave Nat'l Monument. If you have the chance you need to see this 4th largest cave in the world. It was great. We thoroughly enjoyed Mt. Rushmore. It was better than what people have told us it would be. Between the caves and Mt. Rushmore, I KNOW that we went up and down over 1000 stairs. Great sites and great exercise. No, you don't have to do that to go to these places, but heck, we are only young once, right.

Then we headed towards St. George VIA Colorado. Never been there either, so we took in Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado State Park. Very beautiful and we were amazed that the RMNP road took us along the ridge for probably 20 miles close to 12500 feet high.

After wandering through Wyoming and Colorado we ended up in St. George where Spencer w

as to bless his baby, Jaron. We stayed at the Marriot's Towne Place Suites. They had a wonderful pool. The temperature was 108 degrees. Swimming was tops on our list of things to do on Saturday. Tessa and Kurt and family, Tyler and Julia and family, Spencer and Carey and family, (yes, even Jaron) hit the pool along with Brinton, who came up from California and John. Great way to cool down and spend time with family. (picture 2)

Sunday we went to church for Jaron's blessing. There were so many of Spencer's friends who joined him in the circle we couldn't count them all, but he gave Jaron a very special blessing. (picture 3).

Cassie turned 3 on Sunday as well, so we had a great time giving her a birthday party. Hope she remembers it all.

January Confusion

A couple of the young members from the Baltic mission are here in Salt Lake City going to the LDS Business school. We had the privilege of spending time with them on the 28th of January during our temple break. Helvis and Svetlana, the two Lativans we speak of, are both returned missionaries and full of the spirit. We wish them well in their schooling. Sveta is getting married on the 25th of March. Yea for her.

No doubt about it, January in Star Valley is known for being cold and snowy. So, taking advantage of a 4 week break when the Idaho Falls Temple closed, we headed for St. George. Basking in the warmth and sunshine was to be our lot, or so we thought. Yes there were some sunny days, and it did get above freezing in the daytime, but the rain, and scrapping ice off the car windows in the mornings was not what we had expected. On the positive side, John did get 2 rounds of golf in, we visited with a few friends, and our stay with Spencer and Carey was enjoyable. One of the main reasons for our going south was so I could have a minor operation on my foot. That kept me somewhat homebound, but not much.

After 3 weeks in St. George, we were heading up to Provo and Salt Lake for some family activities: a baby shower for Carey with friends and relatives who live in the Provo/SL area, and John's Mom's 100th Birthday celebration The day before we were to leave, our daughter from Alaska came walking into the house on a surprise visit known only to her and Spencer, (her co-conspirator ) She wanted to surprise all of her family and be with her Grandmother when she turned 100 years old. We were all blown away by her visit, and we were so very happy that she could be with us for these important events.

I have a hard time putting pictures in the right order on this blog, so in reverse order: Kari with her Grandmother, a total surprise; Grandmother, Lilly Venema Andersen; John and Peggy and John's Mom; Our family who were present at the 100 year open house for Lilly Andersen.

The thing that makes this the most special for me is that all but 4 of our family were present and we were able to get a picture of all of the family from John, the oldest, to Easton, the youngest. Missing is Brinton, our son, who is in school in California, and Kari's 3 children, in school, in Alaska.

When we returned to Star Valley, the 1st of February, we found only 18 inches of new snow in our driveway - we had expected over 2 feet. John spent 3 hours digging us out so we could get the car into the garage. First he had to remove a 5 1/2 foot berm the snow plows left when they plowed the road. Then he had to remove a 2 foot berm that had fallen off the roof onto the driveway in front of the garage, the rest was easy. Next time we do this we will pre-arrange for the driveway to be plowed.

Life is good here in Star Valley, quiet, beautiful, but don't get me wrong, we loved our time in Utah and look forward to the time when we can spend the winter in St. George.

Our Thanksgiving wish for all

“Over the River and Through the Woods” was a song we sang on our way to the Pyrah’s home every Thanksgiving day while we lived in Alaska. Friends were our family there as we lived far from blood relations. We cherish the friendships we have made over the years in the various places we have lived. It has been our blessing to have lived in many places making many friends.

Another song (hymn) we recall with gratitude is “Our Mountain Home So Dear.” This song can reference many things, our home in the beautiful mountains of Wyoming, the places we have lived, and probably more especially, the sacrifices of our pioneer ancestors and our parents. Their humble sacrifices made it possible for us to enjoy the blessings of the gospel in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley (and where ever we have lived). Through their sacrifices, some with their lives, we have been truly blessed with a testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and his atoning sacrifice for us.

At this Thanksgiving time, we need to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father, and to all who have blessed our lives, for all that we do enjoy and so often take for granted. Richard L. Evans said in one of his “Spoken Word” broadcasts: “Gratitude must be a living, moving, doing kind of gratitude, much more than a passing and perfunctory expression of appreciation.”

“If the day be sunny,
If the day be gray,
If you want to be happy
Give something away.”

A truly wonderful blessing in our lives has been the privilege of serving in the Idaho Falls Temple. We have been working there just over a month. What a wonderful way to spend a day serving the Lord. We are thankful to the Lord for this calling. We hope during your Thanksgiving celebration you stop to remember the true source of all your blessings. We send our love to all of you.

Things we love about Star Valley: Playing golf with the deer - they don't move when the balls come flying their way-(notice 5 balls and John in the background), The deer stealing the chickadees' food, and the constant companionship and begging of our winter friends.

After the return

Welcome home. Tessa and her family make the sacrifice to meet us at the airport at 11 p.m. at night. Way too early for the little ones, the youngest not even knowing us or remembering us but happy to see us anyway.
A trip with John's mom to visit Tyler, Julia and their children was a great opportunity to get a 4 generation picture.

We were greeted at our house in Star Valley Wyoming by 2 1/2 foot tall grass. Fun to mow and better to see the lawn had survived.

A trip to Alaska gave John and grandchildren a chance to go fishing.
It rained most of the time, the rivers were flooded, but one trip was fun/

Our hightlight was a camping trip to Mt. McKinley National park and a park shuttle bus ride to see the animals and the mountain, which peaked from behind the clouds occasionally. The park exhibit was fun and the kids enjoyed the opportunity.

Tessa and her family came to visit us for a few days. We sat on the deck alot watching the golfers go by.

Then the kids did their favorite thing and scoured the back yard and surrounding areas for golf balls. They managed to find over 30. Then we went on a day trip to Yellowstone Park to see the animals and Old Faithful. Saw plenty of buffaloes, deer, and elk. Old Faithful, though not as regular as it used to be was a spectacular sight.

John celebrated his 69th birthday while we visited Tessa in Provo.




As John loves fishing almost as much as he loves golf, we had to buy Sadie and Jessica fishing poles for their birthdays. This, of course, meant an afternoon practicing casting. Sadie's first cast caused John a little anxiety. Jessica next had her turn and everyone learned how to cast. A few roof tiles were caught along with some flowers in the neighbor's yard. Success.

With my brother and his wife just returning from their mission a few days before us, the siblings got together one evening to catch up on family events since our last get-together almost 2 years ago.

Here we are at the Bar J Ranch in Jackson Hole. A great comedy, cowboy routine dinner show. Brinton came to visit us during his break in school in the Los Angeles area.

Even the animals seemed to welcome us home. We have had severl mother deer and their babies come to rest on our lawn and even under our deck. They look at us for a while to decide if we are any threat and then go about their business of eating the tender parts of our plants.

A Fond Farewell to Bulgaria

OK, so farewells are hard on the emotions. Especially when everyone treats you as someone special and it feels awkward. Sunday was the day the branch put on a special meeting after the 3 hour block. Nina, the R. S. president and concert violinist, and Liana, a concert pianist played for us. Pacinka gave a short talk about how much they love their Sr. Couples, and then they presented us with flowers, an oil painting of the old town gate, and Nikolai Kalmandonski gave us a rug his mother made 40 years ago in the Bulgarian traditional style. I didn't think it would be this hard. Pleasant memories, wonderful people, beautiful country. Goodbye.
Below are just a representative sampling of the people we have grown to love.

Galia, from Pazardjik, YSA, Dreamed of her Grandfather going to heaven when 12, Joined the church 9 years later.

Zoi Palova, a personal physical trainer, RS counselor, good friend to all in Branch; one of the true rocks of the church in Bulgaria.

Pacinka Angelova, my good friend, wants to be and is close to being perfect . A sweet testimony

Elder Hannenin from Finland is representing all our missionaries in this picture. Love of the gospel and enthusiasm that radiates to all they meet.

Maria Stoyana, always has a smile and a hug, (as do all Bulgarians), showed from the beginning a love for us and a willingness to be our friend.

A professional concert violinist, Nina Kolumijan has performed for the branch and other groups on numerous occasions and never with sheet music. Our R. S. president, has a strong testimony and is willing to share her talents any time.

George Matikov always at church, opens the door welcoming us every Sunday, he cleans the flower beds because of his love of beautiful things, and wants the church grounds to be as beautiful as the gospel.

Farewell Firesides for the Bennetts

President and Sister Bennett will be leaving the mission the first of July. Saying goodbye is an ongoing effort on their part as they travel the mission branches one last time. They will put on over 4000 kilometers going to all of the branches. They have invited the Senior Couples to go with them to the major branches. Along with the Bennett's, the Jewell's, who are the office couple, and the Andersen's (CES) are also leaving within a few days of their departure. So, in effect it has been a goodbye tour for the Andersen's and Jewell's as well. We have been to Varna, Burgas, and Plovdiv so far, and have yet to attend the farewell for Sofia. In the picture below, President Gancho Pasev of the Plovdiv branch is presenting the Bennett's a farewell gift of flowers and a picture of the city of Plovdiv's most famous spot in Old Town. In Varna, the branch presented all of the couples with flowers. It is an Eastern Europe tradition to present flowers at all special occasions. Below pictured from the left, E/S Andersen, E/S Jewell, E/S Mace, E/S Jorgensen, Pres and Sister Bennett.

The Burgas branch is extraordinary by Bulgaria standards. It is the only branch with more than one or two youth. Here we have four, and they are very involved in Branch activities. From left Elder Andersen, Andrei (non member), Acen, Borislava (non member), Sister Andersen, Gergana. Andrei and Borislava don't yet have permission from their fathers to be baptized, but it is a definite they will be baptized when they turn 18 in about a year.

This is Rose country. World famous for their rose oil and rose perfume. We stopped at a field just before the harvest, which takes place in about a week. The roses have to be harvested in the morning and must be completed within a week or 10 days.

Unique to Bulgaria is the way they take care of illegal parking. Here a "spider" truck lifts a car that has been parked in a bus zone. We were in our hotel in Varna looking out at the sea and their olympic size swimming pool when we saw this happening. The owner will have to pay about 35 lev to get the car back. That is about $28. We had to retrieve our car once and learned the hard way to be careful where you park the car. The sidewalk is usually a safe place to park.

Unfortunately, the sidewalk is not a safe place to walk, and crossing the street for a pedestrian is a life threatening experience. We won't go into detail as to the safety of cars on the roads. As our time in Bulgaria quickens to its end, we can honestly say it has been a great experience.